Grades 6 and up; 128 Pages
NC1160L
A Christmas miracle occurred on December 25, 1914, during World War I. Opposing troops defy their commanding officers and engage in a spontaneous Christmas celebration, not as enemies but as fellow human beings. Just months before peace in the world had been shattered on July 29, 1914, when Austro-Hungarian soldiers began firing on the neighboring country to the south. World War I broke out with all its horrors and tragedies. This true story is a bright spot in those dark times. Readers will be inspired by the courage and compassion of the soldiers and challenged to look for ways to make truces in their own lives.
About the Author:
Jim Murphy, a two-time Newbery Honor author and winner of the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal. TRUCE was a School Library Journal Book of the Year. Murphy did not enjoy reading as a child until a teacher sparked his interest and since then he has not stopped reading. He has authored more than 30 books about American History. His books appear on Best Books list for American Library Association, Publisher’s Weekly, School Library Journal and Booklist. In addition to the awards already mentioned, he has earned many others including three NCTE Orbis Pictus Awards, two Golden Kite Awards, and is a National Book Award Finalist. Students will enjoy learning more about Murphy at his website: https://jimmurphybooks.com/
Pathways connections: Friends and Family; Heroes; Personal Growth
Reviewed by Cheryl The, PhD
Professor of Education
Southwestern Adventist University
Author: Ilana M. Horwitz
Author: Stephen Kurczy